Weak body strength associated with anxiety

Although several studies have previously linked depression in midlife women with self-reported low physical activity, this new study evaluates objective measures of physical performance in relation to depression and anxiety in premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women.

This latest study of more than 1,100 women aged 45 to 69 years found, in fact, that 15% of participants, especially those of younger age, reported depression and or anxiety.Findings were published in the Journal of the North American Menopause Society.Because depression can cause disability, reduced quality of life, mortality, and heart disease, researchers felt it was important to identify potentially modifiable risk factors that could reduce morbidity and mortality.
The study observed significant associations of objective physical performance measures with depression and anxiety.

According to the researchers, future trials will be needed to determine whether strengthening exercises that improve physical performance might similarly help reduce depression and anxiety in midlife women.